Stable and coordinated functioning of steel entrance doors is impossible without special fittings. One of its most important types is canopies or hinges. Today, the diversity of these elements is quite large, although in practice, drop-shaped loops with a bearing are more actively used than others.
Products have gained such popularity due to their design features and a large list of advantages of such products. These characteristics are to be found in more detail so as not to be mistaken in the choice of fittings.
Design features of hinges
The cylindrical shape of the hinges is already considered classic. It is both easy to manufacture and in demand. At least it was before the advent of the new generation of hinges. In this case, the design consists of two cylindrical bases worn on one another. To make this manipulation possible, a special axis is made on the main element body in the form of a protrusion of a similar shape, but much smaller in diameter. At the same time, a special element is made on the reciprocal part in the form of a small protrusion with a similar shape. This groove serves as a connecting element in relation to two parts.
A cylinder is installed between the cylinders of such a loop, providing ease of movement of the sash and reliable functioning of the structure.
Despite its simplicity and seemingly distinguishing features with special positive qualities, this form of hinges still has one significant drawback - the difficulty of welding in place. This led to the invention of drop-shaped loops.
What characterizes such products
The name of such an element speaks for itself, eloquently describing the shape of the outer section of the product, outwardly resembling a drop. It is the presence of a protrusion located on one side of the structure that makes welding work more convenient and simple. In addition, there is no need to use additional parts in the form of corners or plates.
The benefits of using drop-shaped loops
In addition to a simplified installation scheme, such products are characterized by a number of other equally notable advantages. Among them are such features:
- the presence of a special ball in the structure of the hinge located in the end part of the axis, and during assembly of the product abuts against the bottom of the reciprocal cylinder;
- the presence in the design of most drop-shaped loops of a special mechanism to facilitate the lubrication of canopies. It is located at the top of the loop and looks like a small hole that does not have any effect on the overall strength of the structure. A grease fitting is mounted inside this recess, in the presence of which grease filled with a conventional syringe enters the moving parts of the product;
- Another important design plus is the presence of a bearing. This addition, like the ball, is intended to reduce the friction of mechanisms by reducing the area of surfaces in contact with each other. The bearing is easy to lubricate from the outside, because it does not bring discomfort in operation.
Given all the above features and advantages, it can be said that drop-shaped hinges today are one of the most popular options for canopies for doors.
Why are these products so popular?
Drop-shaped loops have earned popularity due to:
- your form;
- design features;
- simplicity of installation;
- affordable cost.
All these qualities provide the welded drop-shaped loops with high operational characteristics, ideal practicality in relation to leaving and to service.
Features of fastening hinges on the design of doors or gates
Before starting welding, it is worthwhile to ensure reliable fastening of the hinges by welding to them thick metal plates, called ears or boards. The presence of ears greatly facilitates the further installation of the hinges, and in addition, increases the operational life of doors or gates equipped with such structures.
Next go to the markup.
What is the markup process
After the base has been prepared, the door or door leafs are raised to a vertical position and the parts are set idle to the intended attachment point of the welded drop-shaped loops.
Try not to forget that the wings should open outwards. If they will be unlocked inside, then in the winter season of heavy snowfalls this can play a cruel joke with the owners.
After the canvases are raised and fixed, mark the places for future installation of the loops. Note that on the gate they are indented approximately 20-25 cm from the bottom and top of the canvas.
When mounting the hinges, make sure that they are welded strictly vertically, because even with a tiny distortion during welding, further problems can arise, and this will lead to sudden destruction of the thrust bearings.
To verify the correct design using a plumb or laser level.
Hinge welding process
Before welding, the loops are prepared, cleaned of rust and grease, lubricated with solid oil or other similar kind of lubricant. This will help to prevent sintering of the hinges during welding of products with the base of the door leaf or gate.
Now it’s time to figure out how to weld the drop-shaped loops to the base. It is worth saying that at first the fittings are welded to the door leaf, after that - to the supporting posts. This process should be accompanied by constant quality control of the joints, the state of which depends on the reliability of the further design.
Having welded the hinges, treat the surface with a grinder, stripping it.
Teardrop-shaped garage hinge is a modern version of hardware used for fastening to garage, entrance doors, gates and gates. Everyone may encounter the need to work with such a part, therefore it is worth studying at least the features of such products.